What exactly makes a restaurant a hole in the wall? Is it cramped seating, a hard-to-find location, cheap food, a dated facade, or simply a food truck? Perhaps it can be any of these things, though the one aspect these 12 hidden gem restaurants in Honolulu share is absolutely incredible food… in perhaps a less-than-ideal setting.

1) Ray's Cafe, Honolulu
Taka T./Yelp
Ray's Cafe, 2033 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA
Jeffery A./Yelp
With just five tables inside and a line outside the door, Ray's Cafe is certainly a Kalihi favorite. Learn more about this unassuming restaurant on the Ray's Cafe Facebook page.

Let's check out Ray's Cafe in Honolulu, in this video from Loyal Manny. Ray's is one of many hidden gem restaurants in Hawaii and it's known for the best prime rib on the island:
2) Broke Da Mouth Grindz, Kailua-Kona
coffee drinker/Google Reviews
Broke Da Mouth Grindz- KONA, 74-5565 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Liezel G./Yelp
My mouth is watering for those pork adobo fries... This place takes dining out in Hawaii to a whole new level! To learn more about Broke Da Mouth Grindz, visit its Facebook page.
3) Ono Tacos, Lahaina
Ellie J./Yelp
Ono Tacos Lahaina Maui, 910 Hawaii hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Samantha L./Yelp
Hawaii is home to some killer food trucks, including this Mexican joint that serves up burritos, tortas, and tacos for miles. Learn more on the Ono Tacos Facebook page.
4) Pono Market, Kapaa
Food N./Yelp
Pono Market, 4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Prianka K./Yelp
This unassuming joint is the spot for killer Hawaiian food in Kapaa. The Lau Lau is awesome, though unfortunately only available during specified lunch hours.
5) Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu
Rainbow Drive-In/Facebook
Rainbow Drive-In, 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Ramfis B./Yelp
This Honolulu classic is one of Obama's favorite places to visit when he's in town, and for good reason. This casual eatery is one of the best local restaurants in Hawaii. Read more about Rainbow Drive-In in our previous article.

We check out Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu, HI with Passport_Ced, one of the best places in Honolulu to get the iconic Hawaiian loco moco:
6) Kohala Burger and Taco, Kawihae
Cary P./Yelp
Kohala Burger & Taco, 613665 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
MiYong E./Yelp
This casual Mexican-American Grill serves up local fish, grass-fed beef, and 1950s milkshakes for a dose of nostalgia and some of the best burgers in Hawaii. Learn more about Kohala Burger and Taco on its website.

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7) Mark’s Place, Lihue
David B./Yelp
Mark's Place, 1610 Haleukana St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
Kenny P./Yelp
From plate lunches to bento boxes, Mark's Place is known for serving up some delicious meals. Learn more about this unassuming restaurant on Mark's Place's official website.
8) Blue Ginger Café, Lanai City
Wyatt G./Yelp
Blue Ginger Cafe, 409 7th St, Lanai City, HI 96763, USA
Kristy-Kean C./Yelp
With a casual, old-school vibe and simple American and Pan-Asian fare, Blue Ginger Cafe is a must-visit while in Lanai City.
9) Helena's Hawaiian Food, Honolulu
Victor L./Yelp
Helena's Hawaiian Food, 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Lyla D./Yelp
This laid-back eatery is known for serving up the best Hawaiian food around - from Lau Lau and Kalua pork to poke and poi. Learn more by visiting Helena's Hawaiian Food's website.
10) Hawaiian Style Café, Waimea
Kent D./Yelp
Hawaiian Style Cafe - Waimea, 65-1290 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Tony L./Yelp
If you're looking for home-cooked American and Hawaiian food, look no further than this local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Read more about Hawaiian Style Cafe in our previous article.
11) Da Crack, Koloa
Angie S./Yelp
Da Crack Mexican Grinds, 2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
Philip D./Yelp
This Mexican eatery may be tiny, but the portions are anything but and the prices are affordable. Visit the Da Crack website for more information.
12) Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Kahuku
Alvin C./Yelp
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731, USA
Cynthia C./Yelp
Kahuku is known for a plethora of shrimp trucks, but Giovanni's is by far the most famous and it started out in 1953. Learn more by visiting Giovanni's Shrimp Truck's website.

Another one of the best places to eat in Hawaii is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Kahuku. Learn more about this delicious mobile restaurant in this video from Eater:

There is something special about a local foodie find that only the locals know about. Which of these places is your favorite? What other hidden gem restaurants in Honolulu, Hawaii would you add to this list?

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More to Explore

Hidden Gem Restaurants In Hawaii

Melissa M | April 24, 2023

What are some of the best restaurants for dining out in Hawaii?

Some of the best restaurants for dining out in Hawaii include:

 

Some of the best restaurants not only have great food but a memorable ambiance and service as well. With its gorgeous decor and ocean views, Mama’s Fish House on Maui’s North Shore is an experience to remember. Patrons can’t get enough of the delicious fresh seafood that is served here. Offering fresh, handmade udon noodles, Marukame Udon is a popular choice with two locations in Honolulu. As you wait for your order, you can watch as the chefs make noodles in the open-concept kitchen. Everything here is delicious and affordable!

What are the best places to find shave ice in Hawaii?

Some of the best shave ice in Hawaii can be found at:

  • Waiola Shave Ice, Honolulu, HI
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice, Haleiwa, HI
  • Wishing Well Shave Ice, Hanalei, HI

 

The best and most popular snack in Hawaii has to be shave ice and with numerous places selling this sweet treat, it may be hard to decide where to go. From Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa to Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei and several others, we have put together a list of shops that serve the best shave ice in Hawaii.

What can I find some of the best poke in Hawaii?

  • Ono Seafood, Honolulu, HI: Ono Seafood is an unassuming eatery with some of the best poke around. With super fresh seafood and poke that’s made to order, you will become a repeat customer.
  • Da Poke Shack, Kailua-Kona, HI: Da Poke Shack is another awesome poke place that is highly rated and specializes in take-out. 

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